Television system



SeP 5, 1950 J. H. HOMRIGHOUS 2,521,010

TELEVISION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 29, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 AQC 5 SUPPLY P 'POWE R AM P.

FIG 2 IN V EN TOR.

Sept 5, 1950 J. H. HOMRIGHOUS TELEVISION SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 29, 1945 U P P U S R E W o P FIGS FIG3

IN V EN TOR.

Sept. 5, 1950 Filed Dec. 29, 1945 J. H. HOMRIGHOUS TELEVISIGN SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 7 Sept.5, 1950 J. H. HOMRIGHOUS 2,521,010

TELEVISION SYSTEM Filed Dec. 29, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I TOPOWER- I AMP- 1 249 I 239 IN V EN TOR.

.1: H. HOMRIGHOUS Sept.- 5, 1950 TELEVISION SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 29, 1945 I l I 359 L I I I I INVENTOR. %VZ!4 Patented Sept. 5, 1950 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE TELEVISION SYSTEM John H. Homrighous, Oak Park, Ill.

Application December 29, 1945, Serial No. 638,038

2 Claims. 1

This invention relates to radio communication systems and more particularly to a television system for the transmission and reception of color pictures.

One of the objects of my invention is the provision of improved means for the transmission and reception or picture signals representative of different colors.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide at a transmitting station means for producing picture signals corresponding to different colors in a scene without mechanically moving mechanisms.

Mother object is the provision of means for reflecting and passing incoming light rays to provide simultaneously on a cathode ray tube screen several images of the same scene.

Another object is to provide picture alignment marks in the reproduced pictures for properly adjusting the projecting mechanism to project several pictures at the same time to a common screen.

Messages in this specification are to be understood to include any intelligence represented by sound or picture signals.

The scanning control system described in this specification may be similar to my Self-synchronizing system shown and described in copending applications Serial No. 451,722, filed July 21, 1942, now Patent No. 2,398,641, issued April 16, 1946, and Serial No. 476,897 filed Feb. 24, 1943, or the system shown in co-pending application Serial No. 542,317, filed June 27, 1944, in that line control pulses may return the cathode ray from any location on its associated screen, in the receiving station, to the starting point for the next horizontal line, and the field control pulses may return the cathode ray from any location on its associated screen, in the receiver, to the starting point for the first horizontal line in another frame or picture.

This control system may be known also as the follow up system, that is, the scanning mecha nism. at the receiving station is not driven into synchronism but follows the horizontal and vertical movements of the scanning mechanism at the transmitting station.

Several methods for developing picture signals representative of diiferent colors in the scene being televised have been devised which make use of mechanical moving parts. In the instant -1vention colors are converted into groups of varying densities of gray on cathode ray tube screens, and these grays are translated back into "the original colors again without the aid of mechanically moving mechanisms.

In my prior application Serial No. 542,317, I have shown a system for the transmission and reception of picture signals and both accompanying picture related sound signals and time of day sound signals on a common carrier wave with means for listening to either sound message as desired, In the instant invention sound signals for weather reports, etc, are transmitted on the same carrier wave with the picture signals, but the sound signals related to the pictures may be transmitted on a separate carrier wave, with means at the receiving station for switching from the reception of one sound message to the other as desired.

In my prior aplication Serial No. 47 6,897, I have shown means for automatically changing the focus of the images produced on a cathode'ray tube screen to give the appearance of depth. In the instant case I change the horizontal velocity of the electron ray in alternate frames to produce images slightly offset in two directions to give the appearance of depth in the reproduced pictures.

Cathode ray projecting tubes have been devised for projecting the images produced on their screens to a larger distant screen, but none of these tubes have been adaptable for developing three images of the same scene simultaneously on the cathode ray tube screen and projecting these to a larger distant screen. 7

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 and 8 are simplified diagrammatic views of a television transmitting station and a television receiving station respectively, illustrating the principles applied in this invention.

Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the message distributor illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a graphical view illustrating the time periods for the various messages including control signals. 1

Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing the horizontal and vertical deflecting apparatus illustrated in Figure 1. 1

Figure 5 is a graphical view illustrating horizontal and vertical control signals.

Figure 6 illustrates odd'and even lines in a picture frame.

Figure 7 shows a picture alignment mark panel.

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram showing the mes.- sage distributor illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing the horizontal and vertical deflecting apparatus illustrated in Figure 8, r

Figure 11 shows a cathode ray tube for projecting images to a distant screen.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram for a television transmitting station comprising a cathode ray tube having light ray reflecting and passing devices for projecting three images of the'same scene on its mosaic screen and to produce picture signals representative of the different colors in the scene within the view of the tube. This transmitting station also comprises cathode ray deflecting apparatus and associated circuits, and a message distributor for allotting periods of time for picture signals, sound and various control signals in order to modulate the several signals in sequence on a common carrier. Other apparatus and associated circuits are provided for a frequency modulated carrier to transmit sound signals relating to the pictures. Further equipment is provided for periodically varying the amplification of the modulated signals and for giving three dimensional effects in the reproduced pictures.

Figure 2 shows the message distributor for allotting periods of time in the interval for each saw tooth wave to transmit picture signals in a first period, sound signals pertaining to information data in a second period and various control signals in several other periods.

Figure 3 illustrates graphically the periods of time that may be allotted to each of the several messages and the control trigger signals during the interval of one saw tooth wave.

Figure 4 shows apparatus and associated circuits for horizontal and vertical deflection including means for producing relatively narrow horizontal control or trigger impulses and relatively wide vertical control or trigger impulses. Other apparatus with suitable circuits are provided to vary the horizontal velocity of the electron ray in certain fields to produce three dimensional effects in the reproduced images, to be further explained later.

Figure 5 illustrates graphically horizontal and vertical control or synchronizing signals pro duced in the saw tooth wave generator at the transmitter.

Figure 6 illustrates a method for scanning the mosaic screen to produce ofiset images on the viewing screen.

Figure 7 shows picture alignment panel to indicate proper alignment of two or more picture images-on the same screen area.

Figure 8 shows a block diagram for a television receiving station comprising a cathode ray tube having light reflecting and passing devices for projecting two or more images from the cathode ray tube screen simultaneously on the same distant screen area to produce picture images in natural color. lhis receiving station also comprises cathode ray deflecting apparatus and associated circuits, and a message distributor for allotting predetermined periods of time for picture signals, sound and various control signals in order that each type or set, of signals may be separated and individually reproduced. Other apparatus and associated circuits are provided for demodulating the sound signals closely associated with the reproduced pictures and received over a second carrier wave.

Figure 9 shows the message distributor for the receiving station illustrated in Figure 8 for almoving the electron ray over the cathode ray tube screen, and other apparatus with suitable circuits is provided to vary the horizontal velocity of the electron ray in certain fields to produce three dimensional effects in the reproduced images, to be explained in more detail later.

Figure 11 shows another arrangement for projecting three picture images at the same time onto the same distant screen area.

With reference to Figure '1 the numeral 1 shows a partial top view and i the stem or pocket of a cathode ray transmitting tube of conventional type, such as the iconoscope, having one screen, or the mosaic photoelectric image screen may be divided into three vertical sections 2, 3 and 4 on which images of the same object or scene are projected by the light ray passing and reflecting system or devices in the compartment 5. The cathode ray tube also'comprises an electron gun for generating a ray of electrons directed toward the screens and two sets of deflecting plates for deflecting the electron ray at the line and field frequencies, so that it is caused to scan the several screens in sequence. 1

Light rays entering the lens system illustrated at G are divided at the partially silvered mirror I, some passing through the mirror and color filter 8 onto the image screen 2. The rays reflected from the mirror I are directed toward the second partially silvered mirror 9; the rays reflected from the mirror are directed through the color filter Ill onto the image screen 3. The rays passing through the mirror 9 are directed toward the opaque mirror H where they are refiected through the color filter 12 onto the image screen 4. While I have shown mirrors as the preferred form of my invention, it is to be understood that an optical system may be employed in place of the mirrors 7, 9 and H.

Picture signals are developed by the electron ray scanning the several screens in tube I and are fed to video frequency amplifier l3. By operation of the switches i4 and I5, the amplifiers l6 and I! may be employed to provide individual amplification for each image screen; from the amplifier [3 or the amplifiers l3, l6 and H the video or picture signals arefed to one of the amplifiers 48 to 5! through contacts in key IS. The key 59 is operated to provide a relatively long period of alarm signals or interrupted alarm signals in'the picture period of time for signaling a receiving station by either code signaling or uninterrupted signaling to be further explained later. Sound signals representative of weather reports and time of day messages, recorded on an endless magnetic wire 20 through the microphone 2! and recording coil 22 are reproduced by the coil 23, amplified at 24 and fed to one of the amplifiers 48 to 5!. The operation of keys 25 and 25 and other keys not shown may apply alternating current from the source 21 to certain of the amplifiers 48 to 5| during two or more the vertical deflecting apparatus 28 over either conductor of a pair 29, common conductor 3!), switch 3| and either or'both conductors 32 and 33 to one of the amplifiers 48 to 5| and the modulation amplifier 34 to periodically vary the picture and sound signal outputs in accordance with the vertical saw tooth waves developed in 28. The switches 3| may control the application of the saw tooth waves to either the picture signals or the sound signals closely associated with the pictures or to both sets of signals as desired.

The individual keys 35, 36 and 31 may apply alternating current from the source 21 to certain of the amplifiers 48 to 5i thereby controlling an oscillator at the receiving station for varying the signal output, which will be explained later.

The message distributor I8 allots suitable periods of time during each horizontal saw tooth wave produced in the horizontal deflecting apparatus 38 for picture signals, fragments of sound signals and fragments of two or more alternating current signals which are fed to the modulation amplifier 39 together with the horizontal control signals from the deflecting apparatus 38 appearing at the end of each horizontal deflection, and the vertical control signalsfrom the vertical deflecting apparatus 28 appearing between the image fields.

A carrier wave is produced by the oscillator 40. In the power amplifier 4| this carrier wave is modulated from the amplifier 39 by the picture signals, sound signals, alternating current signals, and control signals which are applied to the antenna 42.

Sound signals closely related to the pictures are developed at the microphone 43 and fed to the reactance modulator amplifier 34. The signals from the modulation amplifier 34 are fed to the oscillator 44 and are then applied to the frequency multiplying amplifier 45 thereby producing a high frequency modulated carrier wave which is further amplified at 46 and fed to the antenna 41.

The filters 8, l6 and I2 which may be blue, red and green respectively are preferably mounted in a frame that may be easily removed from the compartment 5 so that picture signals representative of black and white only may be developed in tube I. The mirror 1 may also be removed, thereby producing only one image on the screen 2 for facsimile communication when color is not desired.

With reference to Figure 2, the message distributor l8 for allotting suitable periods of time in a series of saw tooth waves for several messages and control signals comprises multi-element amplifier tubes 48, 49, 56 and 5| having their anodes connected together and coupled through condenser 52 to the grid of the modulating amplifier 39. Video amplifier l3, or amplifier 13, I6 and I! may be connected in the cathode grid circuit of amplifier 48. Reproduction amplifier 24 is connected in the cathode grid circuit of amplifier 49. The operation of keys 35 and 36 supply alternating current signals to the cathode grid circuits of amplifiers 5D and 5| respectively. Other amplifiers in multiple with tubes 48 through 5| may be provided for controlling the transmission of other signals.

Ofi and on relay or impulse tubes 53, 54 and 55 and other like tubes throughout this specification may be similar to those described in my copending application Serial Number 521,337, filed February 7, 1944, Patent No. 2,442,565, issued J une 1, 1948. To describe briefly the electrons may be rotated from and onto the small high potential anodes by changes in voltage on the control electrodes.

These tubes 53, 54 and 55 are controlled by saw tooth potentials developed in the apparatus and associated circuits of Figure 4 and applied over conductors 56, 51 and 58 to the control electrodes 59, 60 and 6| respectively. As each'saw tooth wave is developed for deflecting the electron ray forward over its associated screen, to be explained later, the gradually increasing pov tential is applied to the control electrodes 59, 66

and 61 which may be adjusted in the circuits of Figure 4 so that the potential on control electrode 59 may permit the electrons from the cathode 62 to fiow to the anode 63 at the time the electron ray in the cathode ray tube I reaches the leaving edge of the image screen 2 so that the picture signals developed on the forward horizontal movement of the electron ray are fed to the input circuit of the amplifier tube 48. The output of tube 48 is applied to the control grid of modulation amplifier 39. Grid 64 is not effective to control the amplification with switch 25 in nonoperated position. Current flowing through the anode 63, cathode 62 circuit of tube 53 causes a potential drop at the load resistor 65 which is applied to the grid 66 of tube 48 to block any signaling current in this tube during further increases in the saw tooth potential. The drop in potential at resistor 65 is also applied over conductor 61 to the control electrode in the cathode ray tube I, Figure 4, to substantially extinguish the electron ray during further increases in the saw tooth potentials.

The potential drop at the load resistor 65 is applied to the control electrode 68 which may rotate or block the electrons from the anode 69,

thereby increasing the potential at load resistor 10 Which is applied to the grid H in tube 49 thus permitting sound signals from the amplifier 24 to be supplied to the control grid of the modulation amplifier 39 immediately after the picture signals were modulated. However, after a short period of time for modulating the sound signals from amplifier 24 the saw tooth potential on the control electrode 66 in tube 54 will have increased to permit electrons to flow from the cathode E2 to the anode 19, thus producing a potential drop at the load resistor 14 which is applied to the grid in tube 49 to block the cathode anode signaling current through the tube 49. The potential drop at resistor 14 is also applied to control electrode 15, which drives the electrons from anode ll, thus increasing the potential at the load resistor 19 and to the grid 79 in tube 56. The increase in potential on grid '19 renders tube 59 conductive to alternating current signals from the alternating current source 21 (provided either key 25 or 35 is operated) immediately after the sound signals from amplifier 24 have been blocked. After the tube 56 has become conductive for a short period, the saw tooth potential on the control electrode iii in tube 55 will have increased to permit electrons to fiow from the cathode 86 to the anode 3| in tube 55, thus producing a potential drop at the load resistor 82 which is applied to the grid 83 in tube 56 to block the cathode anode current through tube 56. The potential drop at resistor 82 is also applied to control electrode 64, which drives the electrons from anode 85, thus increasing the potential at the load resistor 86 and to the grid 81 in tube 5G. The increase in potential on grid 81 renders tube 5! conductive to alterhating current signals from the source of alterhating current 21 (provided either key 26 or 36 is operated) immediately after tube 56 has been blocked.

While I have shown only two amplifiers for alternating current allotments, it is to be understood that other amplifiers may be employed 7. similarto the amplifiers 50 and El to transmit other series of fragmentary signals.

A short period of timeafter tube I has become conductive control signals are developed in the circuits of Figure 4 to trigger the saw tooth voltages and to restore the circuits of Figure 2 to start another group of signals comprising picture signals, sound signals and a number of other auxiliary signals through the amplifiers 48, d9, 58 and BI.

Referring to Figure 3, the difierent periods of time for the several different signals may be as illustrated wherein 2, 3 and i may represent the mosaic image screens and the lines 89, 9t and 9! the periods of time for the three sets of picture signals ineach horizontal deflection, line 52 may represent the period of time for sound signals representative of dataon the weather and time of day, lines 93, S 3 and 95 may represent the periods of time for auxiliary or alternating current signals, and line 96 may represent the period of time for horizontal control or trigger signals. While I have illustrated themosaic screen divided into three sections, it is to be understood that the conventional type having only one part may be employed and the line 97 would then represent the period of time for the picture signals-which would be followed by the other signals as illustrated by the lines 92 through 95; furthermore the period of time for any of the several signals 92 through 95 may be varied to suit conditions.

From the above description it is seen that picture signals and fragmentary portions of a number of other types of signals may be modulated in successive rotation on a single carrier wave. The horizontal line deflection may be at a relatively high frequency, which causes the sound and other various signals to be interrupted at the same rate. The rate of interruption being relatively high and nearer above audibility, they will not cause objectionable interference in the sound reproduction.

With reference to Figure 4 the apparatus and associated circuits 38 for producing horizontal sweep voltages comprise a condenser 98 charged through an adjustable resistor 89 from a source of positive potential as indicated. By movement of the switches I99 and "H another condenser Hi2 may be charged through resistor It3'from a source of positive potential to vary the line frequency for horizontal deflection. Other line frequency variations may be obtained by providing other resistors and condensers connected to the vacant switch contacts.

When the condenser 98 or H32 becomes charged, depending upon which switch contacts are closed, the saw tooth voltage wave in the plate circuit oi tube led is impressed on the grids I65 and N6 of multi unit tubes NH and I518 through adjustable contacts I99 and Hi} on resistors III and iii! re- 7 spectively. The contacts I89 and H9 are for adjusting the amplitude of saw tooth voltage wave. The double anode output of the amplifier I68 supplied to load resistors I I3 and I I4 will change the potential on the horizontal deflecting plates H5 and H6 of tube I to effect in a well known manner the horizontal movement of the electron I The output of tube it? at resistors I I? through I 2i supplies potential variations to the control electrodesin tubes I22 and I23, and tubes 53, 54 and 55 in Figure 2. To initiate the discharge of condenser 98 or I02, I provide an off and on relay tube I22 having controlelectrode 524 connected to theload resistor I I7. As the saw tooth voltage periods for picture, sound, and'auxiliary signals the electrode i2 1 becomes more positive, permitting the electrons to flow from the cathode I25to the anode I26 causing a voltage drop at load resistor I21 which is applied tothe control electrode I28 thereby increasing the potential at load resistor I29 to produce a positive pulse which may be applied to the grid ISi! of the trigger tube I04 rendering this tube conductive to discharge the condenser 98 or IE2, thus returningthe cathode ray to start scanning the next horizontal line.

The discharge of condenser 98 produces a potential drop in load resistor vI I1 which is appliedto the control electrode I2 3 to drive o 'rotate the electrons from the anode E25.

supplied over conductors 56, 57 and 58 to thecontrol electrode 5 '69 and Si in tubes 53, '55 and 55' restores the circuits of the message distributor 28 to the proper condition to again start modulating picture signals.

The positive impulse developed at load resistor i29 may be supplied over conductor I3I to-thegrid' of modulation amplifier 33 to modulatethe carrier with an impulse during horizontal retrace, or as the condenser 98 is being discharged, to controlthe scanning action. in the receiving stations. The voltage drop at resistor 52?, tube I22 may be applied to the control grid of the cathode ray tube The apparatus and associated circuits 28 for producing vertical sweep voltages may be similar to the apparatus and circuits employed for horizontal sweep voltages, and comprises a condenser I32 charged through an adjustable resistance I33 from a source of positive potential as indicated. By the operation of the switches 34 and I35 another condenser Itt may be charged through resistor I3? from a source of potential to vary the frame frequency. When condensers I 32 o I36 become charged depending upon which switch contacts are closed, the saw tooth voltage wave in the plate circuit of tube I38 is impressed on the grid I39 of multiunit tube use through an adjustable resistor Iii for adjusting the amplitude of the vertical saw tooth waves. output of tube itiisupplied to the load resistors I42, I43, i4 5 and M5 will change the potential on the vertical deflecting plates I525 and Ml of tube I to effect the vertical forward movement of the electron ray.

To initiate the discharge of condenser I32 or I36, I provide an off and'on impulse tube I48 having its control electrode I49 connected to the load resistor I45. As the vertical saw tooth voltage increases to a suitable amplitude to cause the oathode ray to travel vertically over the screen, the electrode Hi9 becomes more positive thus permitting electrons to flow fromthe cathode E50 to the anode IEI causing a voltagedrop at load resistor I52 which is applied to the control gridI53 in tube I54 thereby causing a positive pulse to be supplied over conductor I 55 and IEI to the grid of modula-' tion amplifier 39, to modulate the carrier between picture "fields with a'vertical control signal The mcreasesto a suitable amplitude to cover the time Likewise the 'po tential drop in load resistors H8, H9 and I211,

The double anode.

vertical control signal or impulse may be for a longer time interval than the horizontal control impulses as illustrated in Figure where I58 may represent a vertical control impulse and I 51 may represent horizontal control impulses having equal amplitude. In order to produce an impulse having a relatively long period of substantially constant amplitude, the increase in potential at load resistor I58 may also be applied to the grid I 59 in tube I89 to cause anode cathode current to flow through the adjustable resistor I9I to charge the condenser I62. As the condenser I62 becomes charged the potential in the plate circuit of trigger tube I63 is impressed on the control electrode I64 of the off and on impulse tube I65. After a suitable length of time depending on the value of resistor IBI and condenser I62 the electrons may flow from the cathode I66 to the anode I61 causing a voltage drop at resistor I68 which is applied to the control electrode I69 initiating a positive impulse to trigger tubes I38 and IE3 discharging the condensers I32 and I62 to return the cathode ray to start the first line in the next field, and terminating the impulse ove conductor I55. The vertical control impulse over conductor I55 may also be applied over the connecting conductor I19 to the grid I39 of the horizontal trigger tube I04 to return the cathode ray horizontally each time it is returned vertically and maintaining the tube I94 conductive for the entire duration of the vertical impulse which in turn maintains the electron ray substantially extinguished for the same period.

From the above description it is seen that a vertical control impulse may be produced at the end of each field to initiate both the vertical and horizontal retrace, to extinguish the electron ray during retrace, and to modulate the carrier with a relatively Wide control impulse between pictures. Furthermore, line and frame frequency may be varied to meet any operating condition.

To provide interlace scanning where the lines of one field fall in between the lines of the previous field, I provide means for initiating the backward horizontal deflection of the ray from substantially the mid point of the screen for the first horizontal line in alternate fields. In order to trigger tube I84 at the mid point of a line, the increase of potential at the load resistor I58 occurring at the end of each scanned field is applied to the grid I1I to cause anode cathode current to flow for a short period of time through the adjustable resistor I12 to charge the condenser I13. As the condenser I13 receives a charge at the end of each forward vertical trace the potential in the first plate circuit of tube I14 is impressed on the control electrode I15 of the impulse tube I16. The values of the resistor I12 and condenser I13 are chosen so that at the end of alternate field periods or for each two momentary charges of current through the resistor I12 the control electrode I15 will become sufficiently positive to permit current to flow from battery through load resistor I11 and anode I13. The voltage drop at resistor I11 may be applied to the control electrode I19 thereby increasing the potential at load resistor I89 which may be applied to grid ISI in tube I82. The increased potential on grid I8I may permit current to flow from the plate I83 to the cathode. I84 when the potential on control grid I85 is increased. The

control electrode I86 in the impulse tube I23 may be connected to the resistor I2I and adjusted so that as the horizontal saw tooth potential is increasing the control electrode I86 will become 10 sufficiently positive when the cathode ray has reached substantially the mid point of the screen of further along when sound signals and auxiliary signals are modulated on the same carrier wave, to permit current to flow from battery through load resistor I88 and anode I89. The voltage drop at resistor I99 may be applied to the electrode I99 to increase the potential at load resistor HI and on the grid I in tube I92 each time the electron ray reaches substantially the mid point of the screen on its forward trace. Should the grid I8I be sufficiently positive which is the condition in alternate fields as explained above, current will flow through tube I82 causing a voltage drop at resistor I92 which may be applied to the control grid I93 in tube I14. The voltage drop on grid I93 causes a high potential pulse at load resistor I9 3 which may be applied to the grids I39 and I95 to render tubes I94 and I14 conductive thereby discharging condensers 98 and I13 to return the electron ray to start the next horizontal line, and restore the impulse tube I16 to its normal condition. The impulse at resistor I94 may also be applied to the conductor I3I to modulate the carrier wave.

From the above description it is shown that the electron ray will be returned or deflected backwards from substantially the mid point of the screen in the first line in alternate fields which will place the lines in one field in between the lines of the previous field; also the carrier wave will be modulated with a control signal as illustrated at I96, Figure 5, in alternate fields to control the horizontal backward deflection of the electron ray in the receiver from the mid point of the screen, to be further explained later.

From the description it is shown that the horizontal control impulses are produced in groups separated by vertical control impulses of longer duration for controlling the scanning actions at the transmitter, and that these impulses are modulated on a carrier wave for controlling similar scanning actions at the receiving stations.

To shift the images horizontally in alternate fields on the viewing tube screen to give the appearance of depth in the reproduced images, I provide means at the transmitter to slightly vary the horizontal velocity of the electron ray across the mosaic screen in different fields so that the reproduced images in the odd numbered lines at the viewing tube will be slightly shifted to one side relative to the images in the even numbered lines, which is illustrated in Figure 6 by the odd numbered lines I91 and the even numbered lines I98. The image I99 reproduced in part in the odd numbered lines as illustrated at 299 would be slightly wider and slightly to the left of the images I99 reproduced in part in the even numbered lines as illustrated at 29I. The number of lines per field should be relatively high to produce a graying fringe or edge on either side of black image.

The high potential impulse produced at load resistor I94, Figure l, to cause horizontal defiection at the mid point of a line may also be applied through switch 202 to the grid of slow acting tube 283 causing current to flow from battery through load resistor 294, luminescence material coated anode 295 to the cathode causing the luminescence material of relatively slow decay to glow, thus illuminating the photocell cathode 296 thereby permitting current to flow through the load resistor 291. The voltage drop at resistor 291 applied to grid 298 in tube I08 reduces the amplitude or adjusts the velocity of the horizontal saw tooth wave each time the horizontal deflection is stopped in the middle of the first line or in alternate field periods. The brilliancy' of anode 205 may be controlled by the current through the triode which will also adjust the period of decay for the luminescence material on the anode to substantially equal one field period. This slow acting tube is shown in my copending application Serial Number 541,941, filed June 24, 1944, Patent No. 2,425,877, issued August 19, 1947. Briefly this tube comprises a triode having an anode 2 .95 of mesh material covered with luminescent material of relatively slow decay. As the electrons strike the plate it may glow with a brilliancy determined by the grid and plate potentials. Adjacent to the anode is a photoelectric device comprisinga cathode 235 adapted to emit electrons by thebrilliancy or" the plate.

From the above description it is shown that theimages on the mosaic may be scanned at a slightly faster rate in the odd numbered line fields relative to the line scanning rate in the even numbered line fields; v The operation of key 25, Figure 2, supplies variable saw tooth potential from the load resistor I52, Figure 4, over conductors 29 and 3%, switch 3 i, conductor 33 to periodically increase the signal output of picture amplifier 48, andmay also provide periodically increasing amplification over conductor 32 to the sound reactance amplifier in the irequency modulated sub-channel. The operation of key 25 also modulates the carrier wave with signaling currents in spaced periods of time through the amplifier 50 to actuate an alarm at thereceiving station to inform the attendant that a jumble or distorted signal program is being broadcast. The operation of key 26 supplies variable saw tooth potential from the loadresister Hi3 over conductors 2s and 38, and switch 3 1 to provide periodically decreasing amplification over the same circuits as described above to thezpicture and sound amplifiers. The operation of key 26 modulates the carrier wave with alterhating current in other recurring periods through the amplifier 5| to automatically control the receiving stations for the reception of signals havin periodically decreasing signals. The operation of key 2] l, Figure 2, may modulate the carrier with alternating current through an amplifier similar to 51, not shown, in still another spaced period: of time to modify the picture and sound signals at the receiver in accordance with a sineform wave developed at, 2?. The picture and sound amplifiers at the transmitter may be varied through the operation of; key Z H by current from 21. The operations at the receiving station will be, more fully explained later. The picture alignment mark panel in Figure 7 comprises three vertical members 205, one each of blue, red and green secured to one side and the bottorr'iof the frame m. The frame may be placed in the compartment 5 in front of tube I so that light rays directed through the members will form a vertical and horizontal image on each of the screens 2, 3 and 4. will be reproduced on the viewing tube screen so that the lenses or mirrors for each colored image may be adjusted for proper alignment on a comma screen. With reference to Figure 8, showing a receiving station, the antenna 2I2 receivesthe modulated carrier waves from the transmitting antennas. 42

e and to a more. rr'equenc empnner 213%.. An

Qscillator 2M. reacts with these signals in the first detector stage 255 to produce two inter- These images mediate frequency signals which are supplied to the intermediate frequency stages ZIS and 2H. After suitable amplification the video, signals, sound signals, a number of groups of auxiliary signals and synchronizing or control signals are demodulated at 2H3, The control signals being of greater amplitude are separated and fed to the horizontal and vertical deflecting apparatus and associated circuits 219 and 220 to control the scanning actions in the viewing tube 222. The video signals, sound signals and auxiliary signals are fed from the second detector 258 to the message distributor 2313 where the several signals are separated and allotted suitable periods of time and then fed to the individual power amplifiers 2 2 5, 225, 225, 221 and 228. The picture signals are supplied to the power amplifier 224, and sound signals representative of special messages are supplied to the power amplifier 225i. The several groups of auxiliary signals are supplied to the power amplifiers 22,6, 221 and 223. The video or picture signals are fed from the amplifier 224 to the viewing tube 2'22. The viewing tube 222 is represented as being in the form of a cathode ray tube of a, conventional type and comprises a fluorescence screen 229, an electron gun for developing a ray of electrons directed toward the screen, and two sets of electrostatic plates for deflectingthe, electron ray. at the line and field frequencies to cause it to scan the screen. The video signals are applied to the control electrode of the electron gun, whereby, the intensity of the electron ray is made to vary with the picture signals. The horizontal saw tooth voltages are fed over conductor 2%. to the message distributor 223 for controlling the several time periods.

Since picture signals may be produced from three images per field at the transmitter there will be three similar images reproduced on the viewing tube screen 229. In front of these images there may be colored filters, blue- 2?, red 232 and green 233. Light rays from the fluorescence screen 1229 directed through thefilter 233 are reflected at the o aque mirror 234 through the back of the partially 'silvered mirror 235 (some of rays being lost) and reflected at right angles from the reflecting surface of the partially silver-ed mirror 236 to the-frosted screen 233 Light rays from the screen zzauirected through the filter .232 are reflected from the reflecting surface of the partially silvered. mirror 235 to- Ward mirror 236, rays passing through mirror- 235 being lost. Some of the rays-reaching the par-- tially 'silvered mirror 23% are-lost, and othersare reflected at'ri'ght angles'toward the-screen 231-.

Light rays passing through the filter 23-! are passed in part through mirror zit onto tnesereen 23? where thethr'ee-imagesa're mad'eto coincide byth'e adjustment oftheinirrors in the come partmenti238 through. theaid-of the alignment marks 28B and ZiiSJLas. previously described.

Sound signals from the power amplifier 2 25 are supplied. to. the normally open contact of key 239.

Alternating current signals from the amplifiers 225, 22? and 2328. may be supplied through switch 259. to the alarm apparatus Zfiil, sig-n-al distorting apparatus 242 'or thetelemeteri'ng and facsimile apparatus. 243. The alarm apparatus may, provide an alarm for the type of service to indicate the brush position for the switch 240-, so that proper amplification of the incoming signals may b'eprovided by either supplyin'g'saw tooth voltages from the vertical deflecting: ap-

: paratus 22.0 over conductors 2% or 245 to the signal distorting apparatus 242, or supplying alternating voltages from an oscillator, not shown, to the signal distorting apparatus. The output of the signal distorting apparatus may be supplied through switch 246, conductors 241 and 248 to either or both the picture amplifier 2'24 and the sound amplifier 249.

The alarm apparatus may also indicate when it is desired to utilize the receiving station for facsimile or telemetering purposes, in which case another transmitter 250 would be controlled through the apparatus 243.

The sound signals related to the pictures and supplied to the intermediate frequency stage 211 where after suitable amplification they may be supplied through the limeter 251 to the discriminator 252. After detection in 252 the signals are fed to the power amplifier 249 then applied through key 239 to the loud speaker 253. The operation of key 239 transfers the loud speaker from the reception of signals from the frequency modulated channel through the amplifier 249 to the reception of sound signals for another message, such as data or weather reports, modulated on the picture signal carrier through the amplifier 225.

An auxiliary receiver or an alert system is provided through the key 254 in its normal position arranged for wide band reception of signals on a number of channels, so that the receiving station may be signaled or alerted from any one of a number of transmitting stations. The key 254 in its operated position as shown in Figure 8 disconnects the coil 255 from the antenna 2|2, opens the power feeders to the auxiliary receiver and places the main receiver in condition for the reception of picture and other signals. Audible or subaudible signals received over a carrier wave are demodulated at 255 and all signals above a certain frequency are applied through the series resonance circuit comprising an inductance 251 and condenser 258 to the grid of tube 255. After suitable amplification in 259 the signals are applied to the thermostatic time delay device 260. Should the signals continue for a relatively long period of time the device 255 will be flexed to close a circuit to the alarm 26!. The purpose of the time delay device is to prevent short burst of static from bringing in the alarm. The alarm signals transmitted maybe for a single long period, or they may be interrupted to give a number of alarms to signal by code individual receiving stations or groups of receiving stations. The -main receiver is deenergized, and disconnected from the antenna 2E2 when the key 254 is in normal position. Key 252 may be operated to off position when it is desired to eliminate the pictures, but receive all other messages.

With reference to Figure 9, the message distributor 223 for alloting suitable periods of time in the interval of a saw tooth wave for several received messages comprises three or more off and on impulse tubes 263, 264 and 265 for controlling the power amplifiers 224 through 221, and a multiunit tube 266 for separating control signals from the picture, sound and auxiliary signals. The'tubes 253, 264 and 265 are controlled by saw tooth voltages developed in the apparatus and associated circuits of Figure 10 and applied over conductors 251, 263 and 263 to the control elsetrodes 210, 21I and 212 which may be adjusted in the circuits of Figure 10 so that the potential on the control electrode 219 may permit the electrons from the cathode 213 to flow to the anode 214 at the time the electron ray in the cathode 29! and grid 292.

14 ray tube 222 reaches the leaving edge of the screen 229, so that received picture signals from the detector 2l8 may be supplied to the control grid of the power amplifier 224, and after suitable amplification in this tube they are applied over conductor 215 to the control grid of the viewing tube 222 where they are reproduced on the forward horizontal movement of the ray. As soon as current flows from the anode 214 to the cathode 213 a voltage drop is developed at the load resistor 211 which-is applied to the grid 218 to render tube 224 inoperative to any further signals applied to its control grid during further increases in the saw tooth potential or during the time that sound signals, auxiliary and control signals are being received on the common carrier wave. The drop in potential at resistor 211 is also applied over conductor 219 to the control grid of viewing tube 222 to substantially extinguish the electron ray during reception of sound and auxiliary signals or durin further increases in the saw tooth voltages developed in the circuits of Figure 10.

The potential drop at resistor 211 is applied to the control electrode 280 which may rotate or block the electrons from the anode 28!, thereby increasing the potential at load resistor 282 and to the grid 283 in tube 225, thus permitting received sound signals applied to the control grid 284 to be amplified in tube 225, and supplied to the loud speaker 253, immediately after the reproduction of the picture signals, whenever key 239 is operated. A short period of time after the reception of sound signals the saw tooth voltage on control electrode 211 will have increased to permit current to flow from the anode 285 to the cathode 285 thus producin a potential drop at the load resistor 281 which is applied to the grid 288 thus blocking tube 255 to any signals on the control grid during further increases in the saw tooth potentials. The drop in potential at resistor 281 is also applied to the control electrode 289 rotating or blocking current flow from the anode 299, thereby increasing the potential at resistor As soon as the potential on grid 292 is increased the tube 225 becomes sensitive to received alternating current signals or the first series of auxiliary signals. After tube 226 becomes conductive for a relatively short period of time the saw tooth voltage on control electrode 212 will have increased to permit current to flow from the anode 293 to the cathode 294 producing a potential drop at resistor 295 which is applied to the grid 295, thus blocking tube 226 to any signals on the control grid during further increases in saw tooth potential. The drop in potential at resistor 255 is also applied to the control electrode 251 rotatin or blocking current flow from the anode 258, thereby increasing the potential at resistor 299 and grid 355. As soon as the potential on grid 395 is increased the tube 221 becomes conductive to alternating current signals in the second series of auxiliary signals. After the tube 221 becomes sensitive to signals on its control grid for a short period of time the tube 221 will become blocked and another amplifier 228 not shown but similar to 221 will become conductive to signals for a third series of auxiliary signals. The last power amplifier to be employed such as tube 221 shown in Figure 9 becomes blocked by negative potential on its grid through control impulses received over the carrier wave, as will presently be explained.

Control signals demodulated at 218, Figure 8,

, are blocked from effecting the power amplifiers 15 224, "225 and 226 as explained above; However, received horizontal and vertical control impulses of relatively high amplitude as illustrated in Figuremay be applied to the grid 3M of amplifier 266, the grid being biased to prevent picture or sound signals from effecting the output. The control impulses applied to the grid 30! causes a voltage drop at resistor 332 which is applied to the grid 333 of tube 221 to block this tube during retrace. The impulses in the first anode circuit of tube 235 are also applied to the grid 303 and after suitable amplification in the second anode cathode circuit. of tube 233 the impulses are fed over conductor 334 to the circuits of Figure 10 to control or trigger the saw tooth voltages and restore the circuits of Figure 9 to start reception of another group of signals com prising picture, sound and several auxiliary signals.

' With reference to Figure 10 the apparatus and associated circuits 219 for deflecting the electron rayhorizontally and for producing the saw tooth potentials to control the circuits of Figure 9 com-prise a condenser 335 charged through an adjustable resistor 336 from a source of potential as indicated, another condenser 307 and resistor 333' may be employed to change. the charging rate;

When the condenser 335 becomes charged, the

saw tooth voltage wave in the plate circuit of v tube 389 is impressed on the grids 313 and 3!! of multiunit tubes 3l2 and M3 through adjustable contacts on resistors 3M and 315. The double anode output of the amplifier 313 supplied to the load resistors M3 and 3H will change the potential on the horizontal deflecting plates 3S8 and 3l9 of tube 222 to efiect in a well known manner the horizontal movement of the electron ray.

The output of tube 352 at resistor 320 through 324 supplies potential variations to the control electrodes in tubes 253, 234 and 265 in Figure 9 over conductors 23?, 268 and 263.

Control signals from conductor 3534 applied to the grid of trigger tube 339 renders this tube conductive to discharge condenser 335 and to restore the circuits of Figure 9 to start the next group of received signals. Regardless of when the horizontal signals are received the tube 339 may become conductive to discharge the condenser 335 to return the electron ray from any point reached on the screen to start the next line, therefore, the horizontal scanning action may be synchronized with the transmitter upon the reception of the first horizontal control signals.

To initiate the discharge of condenser 335 in the absence of control signals due to fading or when tuning the set, I provide an impulse tube 325 having a control electrode 326 connected to the load resistor 323. As the saw tooth voltage increases to a suitable amplitude, to cover the predetermined time periods for picture, sound and auxiliary signals the electrode 325 becomes sufiiciently positive to permit current to: flow through the load resistor 32?, causing a voltage drop to be applied to the control electrode 323 to produce a positive impulse which may be applied to the grid of the trigger tube 339 renderin this tube conductive to discharge the condenser 335.

The apparatus and associated circuits 22-13 for producing vertical sweep voltages comprise a condenser 329 charged through an adjustable resister 33%} from a source of potential as indicated.

Another condenser 33| may be'charged'through resistor 332 from a source of potential to vary the frame or field frequency, for vertical deflection. As the condenser 329 becomes charged the increasing potential in the plate circuit of tube 333 is supplied through the adjustable contact on resistor 334 tothe grid 335 of multiunit tube 336. The double anode output of amplifier 336 is fed through load resistors 33?, 338, 339 and. 340 which changes the potential on the ver tical deflecting plates 34! and 342 of tube 222 to effect the vertical movement of the electron ray.

Horizontal and vertical control signals from conductor 354 are impressed on the control grid of trigger tube 309 and also to the grids of the double unit tube 343. The vertical control signals or impulses will trigger the tube 339; to discharge the condenser 335 thus deflecting the cathode ray backward horizontally each time a vertical control signal is received. The control signals both horizontal and vertical impressed on the grids of tube 343 cause current to flow from the anode 344 to the cathode to charge the condenser 345 through the adjustable resistor 356. The increasing potential on the plate of tube 341 is applied through the adjustable resistor 343 to the control electrode 349 in impulse tube 353. Impulses of short duration or horizontal control impulses will not increase the potential on the electrode 349 sufiiciently to permit current to flow from the anode 35L However, an impulse of relatively long duration or a vertical control signal causes the condenser 345 to be charged over a longer period of time, thereby increasing the potential on electrode 343 to permit the electron to flow to the plate 35! causing a voltage drop at load resistor 352, which is applied to the control electrode 353 blocking the current through resistor 354 to increase the potential applied to the grid of trigger tube 333, causing this tube to become conductive, discharging the condenser 323, and causing the vertical backward deflection of the electron ray.

The control signals impressed on the grids of tube 333 charge and discharge the condenser 345. As the control impulse is initiated on the grid 355, current flow through the anode 356 is increased causing a voltage drop, to be applied to the grid of trigger tube 341, but as the grid 355 isrestored to normal or becomes more positive causing this tube to become conductive, discharging the condenser 345.

From the above it is seen that the condenser 345 will be charged and discharged for each received control impulse both horizontal and vertical. But only the vertical control impulses of relatively long duration cause the discharge of condenser 323 to deflect the electron ray backward vertically.

To initiate the discharge of condenser 329 in the absence of vertical control signals due to fading or when tuning the set, I provide an oil and on impulse tube 351 having its control electrode 358 connected to the load; resistor 339. As the saw tooth voltage increases to a suitable amplitude to cause the electron ray to be deflected over the desired screen height, the electrode 353 becomes suificien'tly positive to permit current to flow through the load resistor 359 causing a voltage drop to be applied to the electrode 360 blocking the current flow through resistor 35!, thereby pro ducing an impulse which may be applied to the control grid of trigger tube 333.

When the transmitting stations are not pro-4 917 nvide Witha naratuslf roducinsrthegth rdz i- '.-lmension lze fec Iipr dela arat t eiver forichan i gt e velocity ft eelep r nray naalternateiiie ds to, produc ima offset horizontally in the alternate fields relative to the images in thelintermediatefields. The trigger impulse produced at resiston 354 may be applied through switch 362 to the grid;, 3 63 of ,tube :364, causing current to fiow from the anode 365 to the cathodeto chargezthecondenser-366 through metres-1 theresistor 361 upon thereqeption of each verti- -c alcontrol signal. The increasing potential on I the plate,.3 68 may be appliedto the control-elec- -t r'o;des 359,101 oif and on tube-3:10. Two trigger current through load resistor 313 The increased;

potential at resistor 313 may be applied to the triode grid in slow acting tube 314 causing current flow through resistor 315, thereby producing a glow in the luminescence material of relatively slow decay on the anode 316, thus illuminating the photocell cathode 31'! thereby permitting current flow through resistor 318 and cathode 311 to ground potential. The voltage drop at resistor 318 is applied through the switch 319 to grid 380 to reduce the current flow through the tube 3|3 thereby adjusting the horizontal velocity of the electron ray across the screen of tube 222 in certain fields which causes the images in one field to be horizontally offset relatively to the images in the next succeeding field as previously explained in connection with Figure 6. It is to be understood that both the apparatuses at the transmitter and at the receiver for producing third dimensional eifects would not be used at x the same time.

The switches 362 and 319 may be actuated to disconnect the apparatus for producing third dimensional efiects at the receiver, thereby causing the ray to scan all fields at the same rate, or the switch 319 only may be operated, to disconnect the grid 380 and to connect the apparatus over conductor 38!, switch 382 Figure 9 to the grid 383 in tube 224, whereby negative potential is applied to the grid 383 in alternate fields to reduce the intensity of the electron ray in the viewing tube 222 in alternate fields, thus causing the images in alternate fields to be more of a gray color than the images in the intermediate fields, thereby producing a third dimensional effect on the viewing tube screen.

From the above it has been shown that the velocity of the electron ray or its intensity may be of a different value in alternate fields relative to velocity or intensity in the intermediate fields to produce the appearance of depth in the images on the viewing tube screen.

From the above description it is seen that horizontal and vertical scanning actions may be controlled by impulses of equal amplitude but of unequal duration, also that the vertical control signals cause both the vertical and horizontal retrace, so that upon reception of a vertical control signal the electron ray is deflected backward both vertically and horizontally from any point it has reached on the screen to immediately synchronize the receiver with the transmitter. Furthermore since the horizontal control signals produced at the transmitter include an impulse to cause the impulses are required to charge the condenser 366.

Withreference 170;;Eigul6 ;11-. I ;have shown; a 1cathode. ?av;v e-Wil stul efifi thavlne ar an J g d sereens and lenses. tog-project ges lirom itsscreen to ascommonarea ,pn a stantscreen. 1 Thertuberfifl l;maywteplace nthetube ZEZ in Figure 8. ;The coloredscreensBBE, d ,ESl-may besimilar, to thqsedn- Figure 8. .4 lens 38 Bier- 39 may; :be .arm-pe h radiusted. to :proiect t ma es to .nrop rlrmns de Q a, d st t vscree isfi tth ni shl thea d- 10i several alignment marks transmitted as illustrated in Figure 7.

The fragmentary portion of alternating current signal output of amplifiers 226 and 221 in Figure 9 may be supplied over conductors 404 and 405 to the switch 240, as illustrated in Figure 8, to control the alarm and also the signal distorting apparatus. The conductor 4M may supply saw tooth potentials from the saw tooth deflecting apparatus 220, as illustrated in Figure 8, through switch 382 to grid 383 to attenuate the picture signals output when the received picture signals are being accentuated.

In the various circuits shown and described I have simplified the drawings by indicating the source of potential by a sign. Also I have omitted the heater filaments for the various tubes, but it is to be understood that such filaments are necessary.

The embodiments of the invention which have been given herein are illustrations of how the various features may be accomplished and the principles involved. It is to be understood that the invention contained herein is capable of embodiment in many other forms and adaptations, without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a television system, a transmitter comprising a plurality of image screens, each of said screens being adapted to be excited by light rays of a different color, a color filter for each of said screens, each of said filters adapted to pass a different color of light rays, means comprising mirrors to pass or reflect different portions of the light rays, from a scene within the view of said transmitter, toward each of said filters to produce partial images on each of said screens in accordance with a different color in said scene, said last means including horizontal and vertical image alignment markers to produce horizontal and vertical image alignment marks forming a part of the images on each of said screens, and means to produce picture signals representative of the images on each of said screens.

2. In a television system, a cathode ray tube having a plurality of image screens and an electron ray adapted to scan said screens, each of said screens being adapted to be excited by light rays of a different color, a color filter for each of said screens, each of said filters adapted to pass a difierent color of light rays, optical means disposed in alignment with one only of said screens to direct light rays from a scene within the view electron ray to be deflected backwards from the of the optical means toward said one screen and 19 its associated color filter, means comprising light ray reflecting and passing devices to cause different portions of the light rays received from said optical means and directed toward said one screen to pass through each of said filters to produce c images on each of said screens in accordance with a difierent natural color in said scene, colored image markers associated with said optical means to produce a different picture alignment mark, in the images, on each of said screens, means to deflect 1D the electron ray in bi-dimensional directions to scan said screens to produce picture signals representative of the images on each of said screens, means to transmit said signals, a receiving station provided with an image screen, means at said' is station to reproduce a number of said images, including said picture alignment marks, in difierent locations on said screen from said signals, a distant screen, and means comprising mirrors to pass and/ or reflect light rays from said images to superimpo se said images on said distant screen with said picture alignment marks in a, straight line to produce complete color pictures.

JOHN H. I-IOMRIGHOUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,107,464 Zworykin Feb. 8, 1938 2,289,157 Whitaker July 7, 1942 2,294,820 Wilson Sept, 1, 1942 2,337,980 Du Mont Dec. 28, 1943 2,375,966 Valensi May 15, 1945 2,335,180 Goldsmith Nov. 23, 1945 2,389,645 Sleeper Nov. 27, 1945 2,389,646 Sleeper Nov. 27, 1945 

